KALIMPONG

KAMLIPONG in local dialet meaning “black spur”. As per Lepchas Kalimpong means ‘Ridge where we play’. It is said that these local tribesman used to organize field sports while not engaged in agricultural pursuits.
Situated an altitude of 1250 meters it enjoys temperature climate throughout the year. Some what secluded and tucked away in the corner under big Darjeeling umbrella, Kalimpong offers a quite and relaxed holiday against the backdrop of Kanchenjunga.
The journey from Darjeeling to Kalimpong is a beautiful experience. The road drops from Ghoom 7407ft. to Teesta Bazaar 700 ft. in 12 km and passes through lush green forests and tea gradens. One can stop at view point of ‘Lovers Meet’ from where the confluence of river teesta and Rangeet can be seen. One can travel direct to Siliguri from kalimpong and this road follows the river Teesta from the hills till it emerges into the plains of Siliguri.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Area :  3.5 sq. miles
Population: 1,77,337 (90.91 Rural – Urban)
Altitude: 1250 meters (41000ft)
Climate:           Cool & moist
Summer:   Max. 27C, Min. 17.2C
Winter:            Max. 15C, Min. 7.2C
Rainfall:  86.20 inches annually
Best Season: March to mid June & September to December.
Clothing: Tropical in summer and light woolen in winter.
Language: Spoken English, Gorkha (Nepali), Bengali & Hindi.

Road Travel Chart*

JEEP RATES PER HEAD FROM KALIPONG

Sl. No. : K.M. : Hours. : Fare.
1. Gangtok 65 3 ½ Rs. 120.00
2 Siliguri 64   2 ½  Rs. 150.00
3 Lollay gaon    56 2 ½ Rs. 80.00
4 Kakarbitta 98 3 ½ Rs. 160.00
5 Lava 32 2 Rs. 60.00
6 Pedong 21        1 Rs. 50.00


BUS RATES PER HEAD FROM KALIPONG

Sl. No. K.M. Hours. Fare.
1. Gangtok 65 4 Rs. 110.00
2 Siliguri 64 3 Rs. 140.00
3 Lollay gaon 56 3 Rs. 70.00
4 Kakarbitta 98 4 Rs. 150.00
5 Lava 32 3 Rs. 50.00
6 Pedong 21 1 Rs. 45.00

*Fares may change.


PLACES OF INTEREST

Dr. Graham’s Homes, a unique educational institution, started in 1900 by Dr. John Anderson Graham, a missionary with six orphans. The school is situated in 500 acres of slope land, well over 700 boys and girls, who are accommodated in small cottages in a picturesque setup. It has its own dairy, poultry and bakery. Every year in the month of May the school organizes “MAYFAIR” – a day’s visit there can be enthralling.

DURPINDARA: It is the highest point in Kalimpong accessible by car. It offers breathe-taking view of the plains and the mighty Teesta River.

GAURIPUR HOUSE: (New co-operative training Institute) Situated about 2km from the town on the way to Durpin Dara. Gauripur House was one of the famous haunts of poet Rabindranath Tagaore. He stayed there on his many visits to Kalimpong.

KALIMPONG MARKET:     Your visit to Kalimpong won’t be complete unless you spend several or better still, several days. At two Kalimpong bazaars, one on the Main Road, the other nears the 10^th mile. It is unique experience to see villagers turning up in their local costume at the bazaars on weekly market days to sell their farm products.

 

KALIBARI:                            Kalibari is about 2km from town huge statue of Goddess Kali is the main deity of this temple.

7^th MILE VIEW POINT:            3 km from the town huge on the way to Teesta bazaar. A panaromic view of Teesta Rangeet valleycan be seen from here.

 

FLOWER NURSERIES:           Kalimpong is famous for its nurseries which exports exotic flowers like Amaryllis Lilies anthuruims, Roses, gerbera, Dahilias, Gladoilias as well as Orchids and Cacti. Some important nurseries are Brindaban garden Nurseries, Ganesh mani Pradhan Nursery & many others.

 

THONGSHA GUMPA:              1 Km from town. Situated at 10^th mile this monastery of Bhutanese origin is built in the year 1630 and it is the oldest monastery in this region.

 

THARPA CHOLING MONASTRY:         It is situated at Tirpai Hill and built around 1937 belongs to Gelukpa Sect.

MANGAL DHAM:                    This recently constructed place of worship is marvelous piece of architecture.

 

ZONG DONG PAIRI FO-BANG MONASTRY:  This is a failry new monastry located in Durpin Dara. One can get a panoramic view of the town and surrounding from this monastry.

 

PEDONG MONASTRY: 26 Km from Kalimpong established in 1837.

 

EXCURSION & PICNIC SPOTS: Rissisum: 20 Km from Kalimpong enroute Lava and situated at an altitude of 6410 ft. Glorious view of the mountains can be obtained from this point and a beautiful picnic spot.

 

LAVA:  32 Km from Kalimpong and situated at an altitude of 7200 ft. commands panoramic views of Jelep lake and Rechi La Passes.

 

LOLAY GOAN/KAFFER: 56 km from kalimpong and situated at an altitude of 5500ft. Panaromic vies of Kanchanjunga can be obtained from this point. Fabulouss view of Sunrise over Kanchanjunga can be seen from Jhandi Dara.

 

ACCOMODATION

 Kaffer Tourist Lodge:

Rs. 650/- Double Bedded Room.

Rs. 150/- per head in dormitory.

 Food is available on extra Payment.

 

 RESERAVATION OF ACCOMODATION:

 Deputy Director of Tourism,

Silver Fir, Bhanu Sarani, Darjeeling.

Phone: (0354) 254879, 255351. Fax: 0354-54214.

TREKS 

1. Kalimpong – Relli river – Kaffer – Lolaygon – Lava – Algarah – return to kalimpong via Dr. Graham’s homes Torpai, Hill (4 days approx). 

2. Kalimpong – Durpin dara- Samthar busty – and return to kalimpong by same route (2days).

Click here for List of restaurants at Kalimpong

Tourist information & help line numbers & address:

WEST BENGAL TOURIST INFORMATION BUREAU

 

Kolkata office:

3/2, B. B. D. Bag, (East), Kolkata -700 001

2248-8271,2248-8272,2248-8273,(Reservation & Information Office);

Fax: 2248-5168, Airport:2511-6026, Howrah:2660-2518,Website:www.wbtourism.com

Siliguri Office

95353-2511974, 95353-2511979,

Fax: 95353-2517561, e-mail:slg_omntdc@sancharnet.in